The promotion recently announced another spate of high-profile signings. Former UFC lightweight and featherweight Tyson Griffin joined its ranks, as well as former Olympic wrestler Steve Mocco, who is set to make his MMA debut with RFA.

RFA has held three previous events in Kearney, Neb., but is based in Las Vegas and aims to move its operations closer to home. Cutbirth estimates the promotion will hold three to four more events by year’s end.

“The first three shows went well enough that we want to commit growing larger,” Cutbirth said.

And while the UFC casts a big shadow in Las Vegas, the RFA has no plans on competing with it.

“They’re where there at for a good reason: They do things really, really well,” Cutbirth said. “There’s no competing. There’s only one Major League Baseball, there’s only one NFL, and that’s them.

“We’re trying to take guys that we think still have the ability and the talent to get back to the UFC, or [build] prospects and getting them to that next level.”

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